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Retainer Instructions
- For the first six months after completion of treatment, please wear your retainers full-time (except for eating and brushing).
- After these first six months, retainers are worn only at nights during sleep (every night).
- After 12 months since completion of treatment, retainers can be worn a minimum of one night per week for as long as possible (indefinite lifetime retention).
- Take your retainers out when eating, and always put them back in the case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunchrooms or restaurants.)
- Clean the retainers thoroughly at least once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Use warm, but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used, but do not take the place of brushing them.
- When your retainers are not in your mouth, they should ALWAYS be in the case. Pets love to chew on them!
- Initially, you may find it difficult to speak. Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to get used to the retainers faster.
- Retainers are breakable, so treat yours with care. If your retainers break or are misplaced / lost, contact us immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your retainers, or you believe they need to be adjusted, please contact us. Do not try to adjust them yourself.
- Always bring your retainers to your appointments.
- Retainer replacements are expensive, but with proper care they will last for many years!
- Remove your retainers when you go swimming or play rough sports.
- Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, clothing pockets, the washer / dryer, and napkins.
